Polo water leak down the front of the engine. Is it the head gasket?

I am losing water from my daughters Polo 1.6 AEE engine 1997 model, 68000 miles. I can see the water which appears to be coming out of the RH front of the engine between the head gasket and the block and running down the front of the engine. The thermostat housing looks ok and there I am sure its is not that as I can see the water seeping out between head and block, even when the engine is cold. I used a pressure tester to confirm my findings.

Is this just a case of a head gasket change or is there something more sinister.

Also as the leak is not affecting the combustion chamber or oil ways, would a rad sealer help in the short term.


Thanks

A long time since I touched one of those old engines, IIRC the camshaft can stay in place and just the belt, 10 head bolts out with the manifolds still attached to get the head off. You might find corrosion of the head, block or gasket at that age is letting the coolant leak out, you won't know till you get it off though. Some epoxy aluminium, steel or something might be ok to fill small surface imperfections then smoothed flat and checked with a straightedge. A bit of a bodge fix but might get yours away bearing in mind the age of the engine.
Rad sealer might be ok in short term but might also block up the water passage between head and block and give a hot spot.
good luck!

Rob, Thank your for your reply. I checked the manuals last night and it seems a fairly straight forward job albeit quite lengthy as I have not done a head gasket for over 15 years. I am going to put some K-seal in it today. It should stop the leak for a while. I would just prefer doing the job in the summer when I have some more time. The car was mums before my daughter took it over and its difficult to know when to scrap. Still a very good looking car for its age.

Yes, not a good driveway job at this time of year!

Just to let you know that i poured a bottle of K-seal and the leak has stopped. Have driven it for 500 miles and all ok. God bless Kseal.